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Yokota Craft Fair 2012

Please note that I am in the process of transferring blogs, ownership, and files to different email addresses based on the content of the blog.  For my family life blog, please visit us at www.daveandkayladoescher.blogspot.com, and for my art blog please visit me here.  I will attempt to make the transition as easy as possible, though there will probably be a few temporarily broken links until everything is smoothed out.  Thank you for your cooperation and support!


Bright and early yesterday morning after staying up until nearly 1AM to make tags and last minute adjustments...

Dave & I packed all of my freshly branded jewelry items and a bunch of display items into the back of our tiny Honda Fit and drove over to the Yokota Arts & Crafts Center.  It was freezing cold and windy, but I was so excited!  Dave was much less so, but he was very supportive and helped me set up my 6-foot craft display for the fall craft fair.

About an hour into the fair, it got very windy and it started to drizzle, but it didn't deter some shoppers! I managed to sell quite a few pieces, and now I know which ones are more popular than others.  I think I might need to start making smaller items, since they were more popular, though the necklaces were a huge hit!  Some people were asking if I was sourcing some of my beads from here in Japan, so I've started looking into getting more items from here.  People seem to be looking for more Japanese-themed items, thought they still want to support the small crafters and artists.  I got a recommendation from one gal to get on Yokota Talk and promote my polymer clay items; she took a business card and seemed very excited, so I think I'll follow that advice :)

The craft fair was a huge success for me.  Dave helped manage the money, and even sold two items when I ran to the bathroom for two seconds.  I learned how to be outgoing for my customers and how to make a sale, and what NOT to do when looking for sales.  This was a huge learning experience, and I'm definitely not aiming to make a profit; however it is nice to have money to put back into crafting so that I can make more items for people that simply enjoy wearing what I make.  I can't wait to participate in the May craft fair, so keep your ears tuned!

Yokota Craft Fair

Hi everyone!

I know it's been a while since I posted, but I finally have an excuse:  the Air Force moved me to Japan! I am now stationed at Yokota AB, Japan, just east of Tokyo.  My husband and I are LOVING it here, and it has provided new inspiration (and new materials!) for my crafting passion.

I finally signed up for my first craft fair this year, and I'll be selling at the Yokota Craft Fair near the Arts & Crafts center.  If you live in Japan, I would love to see you there; if you're not...well, I'll be posting pictures!

Those Blasted Condensed Books

My grandmother was famous for collecting things: good, bad, collectible, pretty, weird and awful alike.  Among the things she collected were the two my mother disliked getting sent in the mail the most:  egg cartons for dad's eventual soundproof room in the basement, and Reader's Digest Condensed Books.

Did you know that about 500 Reader's Digest items, whether in book, atlas or mini-digest paperback form, are published every second? Yeah, they're that ubiquitous, and annoying, and so damn addictive.  They are everywhere but you can't stop reading them...particularly the mini-digests.  My favorite stories are always the "Drama in Real Life" ones--though of recent they have changed the name I believe.  You just can't put it down; it's like a blog in which you just can't stop hitting the "Older Posts" link.  They pile up everywhere, in bookstores, in libraries, on Amazon and eBay...you get the point.  However, one place my mom did NOT want them piling up was in her bookshelves.

I just came across a blog post that discovers new ways to recycle, reuse and repurpose these old Reader's Digest books.  Who knows....one day, these snippets of history might be all we have left of physical books with all the eReaders coming out; but now maybe we can see them in a new light.  Visit Sharon's blog post to check out what ideas she has for culling those old pieces of history and putting them to better use.

DIY and Project Inspiration

I've come across Pinterest on many occasions and heard of it when it came out last year.  I never had any inclination to browse too much or join, as I felt it was just one more account to add to my online identity, which is already extensive enough.  Recently though it's become more popular and EVERYONE is talking about it.  I decided to head over and see if I could find some inspiration for some home decor or jewelry.  I was pleasantly surprised!

Homemade twine lamps. Could see these spray painted black and hung in our living room.

Bracelet idea.  Now where to get the giant chain from....

Possible ornamentation for jewelry--might try this with fabric!

Finally, something I can do with all those extra keys lying around the house :)

Pretty neat idea for some leftover costume jewelry

Actually "pinned" from Urban Outfitters, but there might actually be a neat design right here!

Just a few little bits and pieces.  Not bad for my first trawl.  I don't think I'll be back on a regular basis, but maybe whenever my muse decides she's on strike!

A Marine's Retribution

A friend posted this on her wall on her Facebook, and I couldn't resist sharing.  Granted the credit card use and destroying of the pimp mobile was a little too vigilante, I think it's hilarious.

An actual Craigslist personals ad:

To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last.

Date: 2010-09-27, 1:43 a.m. E.S.T.

I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives. You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message.

First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn't expect you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason.. my girlfriend was happy that I just returned safely from my 2nd tour as a Combat Marine in Afghanistan. She had just bought me that Kimber Custom Model 1911 .45 ACP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening. Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head ... isn't it?!

I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from with crap in your pants. I'm sure it was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again].


After I called your mother or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd done. Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station, -- on your credit card. The guy with the big motor home took 153 gallons and was extremely grateful!

I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go's, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!]

I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb ..... after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car.

Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target.

The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc.).

In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you ... but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider, the career path you've chosen to pursue in life. Remember, next time you might not be so lucky. Have a good day!

Cyber Monday Deal FREE Shipping

Hello friends, family and fellow bloggers!

Today marks the start of the Cyber Monday campaign.  Unlike Black Friday which is in-store, you can purchase deep discounts online from many retailers, resellers, small shops and from people like me.

From now until the end of the year I'm introducing my longest-lasting discount: FREE shipping on any item in my Etsy shop!  Please visit the "My Shoppette" page on my blog to follow any link to my Etsy shop; or, if you're having difficulty, click here:

Happy shopping!

Thanksgiving & New Years Restoration

This year, Dave & I drove to Tallahassee to spend time with the Wheeler side of the family for Thanksgiving.  We made the trip last year and had tons of fun--Dave & Uncle Jon even went Black Friday shopping at Costco and Uncle Jon bought a new computer since family guests kept trying to get him to upgrade his electronics.  (This year, the computer still sits in its just-opened state and is not upgraded with Uncle Jon's company software.  The entire family was in giggles over it!)  We had a fabulous two days with peppercorned filet mignon and brined turkey, but unfortunately we had to drive back to Niceville since I worked the next day.  We are hoping to visit again soon though!

After all the holidays are over, I think I've found my next to-do project.  It's actually a restoration, which I've never done, but I'd love to bring this album back to life.

It's a stamp album from my grandma's collection.  The book actually has a lot of character in it as is; but the major problem is that prior to Grandma Al purchasing it, the album sustained some severe water damage, leaving pages warped and stamps sticking to each other, backwards, together, and basically everywhere you DON'T want a collected stamp to stick.  Unfortunately the water damage devalues the stamps, but for me it's a sentimental project to restore this beautiful leather-bound book to even a partial glimpse of its previous glory.  I might actually get to see what's on the stamps if I'm careful in their separation!

Food for thought:  What's your favorite thing to collect?  Have you ever purchased a distressed or abused collectible item that you planned to restore?

Disqus

I've added a new commenting widget called Disqus to my blog so that people don't have to register with Blogger to comment.  You can use your own Gmail, Google, Facebook, OpenID, Twitter or whatever mechanism YOU use to digitally identify yourself with on the internet to comment.  Please try it and let me know if you find any bugs.

I'll be having Thanksgiving with the Wheelers again this year!  They even asked me to bring cranberry salad again.  Mom, your recipe is a hit.  :)

Photography Services

I had to go back and count how many cameras I've used over the years.  I've had the 18-exposure snapshot cameras.  I've had my Nikon N75 (still in use).  I've had my Kodak point-and-shoot (which, by the way, still had a viewfinder!).  I've used my mom's Canon Rebel XTi.  I've had my Casio point-and-shoot.  And finally, after all these years, I've decided that I'm going to offer up my photography services to those who want them.

Here are a few things that I am able to do.  You might be an awesome photographer and just don't have the digital post-processing capabilities, or you might be an Etsy shop owner with a point-and-shoot camera who needs to make your items pop, but either way, I'm here to help!

Please contact me for a quote if you're interested!

Egg Nog and Photomerging

Oh yes, it's THAT time of year again.


Time for mulled apple cider in the crockpot and EGG NOG & NUTMEG! ♥

Ooooh yeah.  Can't keep a good girl down when she's got warm fuzzy drinks and comfort foods for the fall.  The oranges in our backyard are almost ripe, too...that means fresh orange zest for the apple cider! Mmm....


I've also been working in Photoshop when I'm not at work, and I just rediscovered the "photo merge" tool.  In the old versions of Photoshop it was a TERRIBLE function and the results had to be doctored beyond recognition.  Now, all I have to do is select my images, select the type of merge and VOILA!  I tried it on a multi-scan of a screen print I did last year that was bigger than the scanner bed and I have yet to discover a mistake in the merge.  Check it out (click to enlarge):

Not bad!  I'll have to do this more with some panoramic shots and see if I can correct perspective.

Shenandoah Nostalgia

Six years ago, I was eighteen.

Six years ago, I was in my freshman year of college with no conception of the adult world other than what my parents told me.

Six years ago, I visited the Massanutten Story Trail on Skyline Drive with one of my best friends, Will.

Six years ago, I took a photograph with a 35mm camera that was a gift from another one of my best friends, Kevin.

Today, I found that photograph on a CD my mother brought me from home when she visited, and it encompasses all the ideals that I ever attempted to emulate while taking photographs in an actual class in my last semester of college.

Today, I am humbled, because six years ago, it was a spontaneous, unstructured, unhurried shot that I believe might be one of the best photographs I have ever taken.

Enameled Gravity

Amy Shackleton is a 25-year-old artist who paints....without a paintbrush.  This video shows her amazing work process.  What I would give to be able to create an image like that just by turning a canvas a certain direction!

Improved Design

Some of you might have noticed that my blog has been updated with a more creative turn lately both in design and in content.  Please feel free to visit the new tabs at the top of the page; the widget with my items for sale in Etsy; or leave a comment, feedback, or even a hello!  Thanks everyone!

Printed and Painted

blurred image borders, blurred colors, fingerprints, &
swiped ink images from printer heads

 About the time that I discovered that my polymer clay could be rolled into sheets thinner than my fingernail, I also discovered that--once baked--polymer clay could be PRINTED ON.  And, you know me, being the experiment queen, I decided it was time to give the "cross-your-fingers-and-hope-it-works" try for using my inkjet printer on a sheet of newly cured clay.  So, I rolled out some clay, cured it, taped it to a piece of paper and crossed my fingers for my little HP printer.  Tutorials I found from my clay guild mentioned that reverse-feed printers were the most risky, but after testing the clay, I decided it was flexible enough.

flexibility demonstration--this sheet was about 3/4mm thick

The first experiment was almost a total failure.  Between taping the clay too close to the edge of my paper, which was the guide keeping the clay from sliding everywhere; to discovering that the amount of ink volume was directly proportionate to how many fingerprints I would end up with in the end design from testing if it was dry, the first printing was definitely not an A+ assignment.  It ended up not being a total bust--I found out that multi-colored images with too much ink led to a blurry image and blurry image border, and that water could easily wash the design off.  I also found that the thinner I rolled the sheet before I cured it, the farther it could bend before it broke off.  Despite the initial failures, these extra discoveries led me to continue to experiment.  After my family's visit last weekend and a quick drop-in from Chris and Lori these past couple days, I set up on my kitchen table (much to my husband's continued dismay and comments of "can we PLEASE get you a big art table?") to roll out some more clay sheets.

The messy workspace--clay, paints,
and of course the ever-present Dr. Pepper. :)

The second experiment turned out infinitely better.  I was able to roll my sheet even thinner to the point where I had to use a razor blade to scrape raw clay off the guide papers.  Prior to printing I decreased the ink volume on my printer in hopes of decreasing drying time, and the image turned out fabulously.  Ten minutes of heat-set curing rendered the ink completely dry.  It wasn't impermeable to water, but the next part of the experiment exited me further:  I colored the image with lightly thinned oil paints, which are either linseed-oil or safflower-oil based, and no part of the image blurred or distorted!  I was even able to place the sheet back in the oven for 30 minutes of heat-setting for the oil paints and they dried almost instantly.  The colors faded slightly, but the image itself looks lovely now.  I now know how some brands/types of oil paints interact with the clay; for instance, pthalo colors (pthalo blue, pthalo yellow, pthalo green) leech through and yellow the back of the clay; reds seem also to leech in tiny amounts.  However, no colors bled around the inked, printed image, and the leeching to the back didn't seem to interfere with the front of the image.  I wonder if it's part of the accelerated drying time with heat, but that is an experiment for another day.

Here are some images from experiment number 2.

Work in progress--Grumbachers!!  You don't see the linseed oil off to the left of the photo.

Before & Afters:

Oil painting--after curing, scanned flat/straight view

Back view, pthalo leeching (yellow color).  Some of the reds you can see, but the sheet is also very thin.

I loved playing around with the clay in this way.  I'm also liking the pastel-y look that the oils dry to once cured.  My next task is cutting and setting the thin clay layer in a clay bezel for a pendant, perhaps?  Or a bracelet, haven't decided yet. :)